In vitro antioxidant and in vivo antidiabetic potential of the methanol extract of Ficus glumosa Del (Moraceae) stem bark in alloxan-induced diabetic mice

Ficus glumosa Del (Moraceae) commonly called “African rock fig” is a large tree indigenous to southern part of Nigeria. Its stem bark has been of interest to researchers because of its use in the treatment of various disease conditions in Nigerian traditional medicine. The present study was aimed at evaluating the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of the methanol extract of F. glumosa stem bark using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The extract, at the dose of 62.5, 125, and 250?mg/kg showed a remarkable time-dependent decrease in blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. There was no significant difference between the extract-treated groups and the groups treated with 10?mg/kg distilled water and glibenclamide (2?mg/kg) respectively. At 6-h post-treatment, the blood glucose level for the groups treated with 62.5?mg/kg of F. glumosa and glibenclamide (2?mg/kg), respectively, were lower than the normal blood glucose level respectively for the groups before the induction of diabetes. F. glumosa showed its optimum antioxidant activity in DPPH spectrophotometric assay at the concentration of 100?μg/ml. The ferric reducing antioxidant power showed a significant concentration dependent increase in the total antioxidant power. These findings demonstrate that F. glumosa has both antidiabetic and antioxidant effects on experimental model of diabetes in mice and validate its use in Nigerian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Even in its crude form, the effects, especially at 62.5?mg/kg, were comparable to that of glibenclamide, an oral sulfonylurea with proven antidiabetic activity. This finding suggests that the extract could be a potential source of a novel antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Evaluation of the antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials of methanolic leaf extract of Helianthus annuus L. on alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) is an annual plant native to America that possesses a large inflorescence. The present study evaluated the acute toxicity, antidiabetic, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and antioxidant effects of methanol extract of H. annuus leaves using alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract at the dose range of 300–3,600 mg/kg was tolerated by the rats. The extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) showed a significant (p?p?>?0.05) differences between the extract-treated groups and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg)-treated groups. At 6 h posttreatment, there was a significant (p?p?>?0.05) difference in blood glucose level among the treatment groups. In diabetic OGTT, the blood glucose level of the extract (600 mg/kg)-treated group was significantly (p?p?>?0.05) difference between the extract- and glibenclamide (2 mg/kg)-treated groups. The extract produced a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that H. annuus has potent antidiabetic and antioxidant activities and validate its folkloric use in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Antidiabetic Activity of Gladiolus Psittascinus in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

The methanol extract of Gladiolus psittascinus bulb was evaluated for its antidiabetic activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels of the glucose loaded and alloxan-induced diabetic rats were estimated over 180 minutes using the O-toluidine and glucose-oxidase methods. The methanol extract at 1g/kg dose exhibited 16.2% decrease in blood glucose level in the glucose loaded rats and a peak effect of 78.9% in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract exhibited significant blood glucose lowering effects in the oral glucose tolerance test and type 2 diabetic rats. This study shows a possible beneficial effect of Gladiolus psittascinus in the management of non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM).     

Ameliorative potential of S-allylcysteine: Effect on lipid profile and changes in tissue fatty acid composition in experimental diabetes

Hyperlipidemia is an associated complication of diabetes mellitus. The association of hyperglycemia with an alteration of lipid parameters presents a major risk for cardiovascular complications in diabetes. The present study was designed to examine the antihyperlipidemic effect of S-allylcysteine (SAC) in STZ induced diabetic rats. The levels of blood glucose, cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids, phospholipids and fatty acid composition were estimated in the liver and kidneys of control and experimental groups of rats. Oral administration of SAC at a dose of 150 mg/kg bodyweight per day to STZ-induced diabetic rats for a period of 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, free fatty acids, phospholipids, LDL-C, VLDL-C and elevation of HDL-C in comparison with diabetic control group. Oral administration of SAC to diabetic rats also decreased the concentrations of fatty acids, viz., palmitic, stearic (16:1), and oleic acid (18:1), whereas linolenic (18:3) and arachidonic acid (20:4) were elevated. The antihyperlipidemic effect of SAC was compared with glyclazide; a well-known antihyperglycemic drug. The result of the present study indicates that SAC showed an antihyperlipidemic effect in addition to its antidiabetic effect in experimental diabetes.     

Effects of Stephania dinklagei (Engl.) Diels methanol root extract on alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

The natives of Orba in Udenu, Enugu State, Nigeria use the roots of Stephania dinklagei to treat folkloric “sugar disease.” The methanol root extract of S. dinklagei was investigated for antidiabetic activity in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats and also evaluated for in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials. Extraction was by cold maceration in 80 % methanol for 48 h. Diabetes was induced with alloxan monohydrate at 160 mg/?kg, intraperitoneally. Treatment was done orally using the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/?kg with glibenclamide (2 mg/?kg) as the standard reference drug for 14 days. Fasting blood sugar levels were measured at days 0, 7, and 14 using an autoanalyzer (Accu-Chek Advantage^®) glucose kit. Total cholesterol and malondialdehyde were evaluated on day 14. The extract and the glibenclamide caused a time-dependent decrease in the fasting blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats when compared to the negative control group at various levels of significance (p?<?0.05–0.0001). The extract at the dose of 100 mg/?kg reduced the fasting blood glucose level by 60.5 % on day 14. S. dinklagei extract also caused a significant reduction in total cholesterol and malondialdehyde when compared with the negative control (p?<?0.05–0.0001). The highest activity was observed at the dose of 100 mg/?kg of the extract. There was a concentration-dependent increase in percentage total antioxidant activity from 10 to 400 μg/?ml. The results suggest that S. dinklagei has significant antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials in type 2-induced diabetic Wistar rats.     

Antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of the methanol extract of Bridelia micrantha (Hochst) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) leaves on alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice

Bridelia micrantha (Hochst) Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), commonly known in English as “coast gold leaf” or “ogaofia” (the boss of the bush) in Igbo, is a semi-deciduous to deciduous tree up to 20?m tall with a dense rounded crown and tall, and bare stem indigenous to southern part of Nigeria. Its stem bark, which is yellow grey and smooth to slightly rough, has been of interest to researchers because of its use in the treatment of various disease conditions in Nigerian traditional medicine. The present study was targeted at investigating the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of the methanol extract of B. micrantha leaves using alloxan-induced diabetic mice in vivo and in vitro. The extract, at the dose of 250, 500, and 1,500?mg/kg, showed a remarkable time-dependent decrease in blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. There was no significant difference between the extract-treated groups and the groups treated with 10?mg/kg distilled water and glibenclamide (2?mg/kg), respectively. Six hours posttreatment, the blood glucose level for the groups treated with 250?mg/kg of B. micrantha and glibenclamide (2?mg/kg), respectively, were lower than the normal blood glucose level respectively for the groups before the induction of diabetes. B. micrantha showed its optimum antioxidant activity in DPPH spectrophotometric assay at the concentration of 400?μg/ml. The ferric reducing antioxidant power showed a significant concentration-dependent increase in the total antioxidant power. These findings demonstrate that B. micrantha has both antidiabetic and antioxidant effects on experimental model of diabetes in mice and validate its use in Nigerian traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Even in its crude form, the effects were comparable to that of glibenclamide, an oral sulfonylurea with proven antidiabetic activity. This finding suggests that the extract could be a potential source of a novel antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the management of diabetes mellitus.     

The Optimal Extraction Parameters and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Flavonoids from Ipomoea Batatas Leaf

Extraction parameters of flavonoids from Ipomoea batatas leaf (FIBL) and anti-diabetic activity of FIBL on alloxan induced diabetic mice were studied. The optimal extraction parameters of FIBL were obtained by single factor test and orthogonal test, as follows: ethanol concentration 60 %, ratio of solvent to raw material 30, extraction temperature 75 ° and extraction time 1.5 h, while extraction yield of FIBL was 5.94 %. FIBL treatment (50, 100, and 150 mg/ kg body weight) for 28 days resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in diabetes mellitus mice. Furthermore, FIBL significantly increased body weight (bw) and serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level. The data demonstrated FIBL at the dose of 100 mg/kg bw exhibited the optimal effect. The above results suggest that FIBL can control blood glucose and modulate the metabolism of blood lipid in diabetes mellitus mice.     

Antihyperglycemic Effect of Trigonella Foenum-Graecum (Fenugreek) Seed Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats and Its Use in Diabetes Mellitus: A Brief Qualitative Phytochemical and Acute Toxicity Test on the Extract

The effects of ethanol extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) seeds on the blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats at different doses (2g/kg, 1g/kg, 0.5g/kg and 0.1g/kg) were studied. The hypoglycemic effect of extract was compared with that of the standard antidiabetic drug (glimepiride, 4mg/kg) single dose. The extract showed significant activity against the diabetic state induced by alloxan but the intensity of hypoglycemic effect varied from dose to dose. The most effective dose recognized was 1g/kg but that is still lower than the standard antidiabetic drug. No acute toxicity was observed for ethanol extract of T. foenum-graecum seed when it was administered orally at high dose level (3 g/kg body weight), which is higher than effective antihyperglycemic dose, and closely observed for 24 hrs for any mortality and next 10 days for any delayed toxic effects on gross behavioral activities. Phytochemical group tests were also accomplished and presence of alkaloids, steroids and carbohydrates were recognized in the extract.     

Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of Setaria italica seeds in STZ diabetic rats

Background

Setaria italica is commonly known as Foxtail millet. In India it is chiefly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. It can be eaten as a sweet or savory food in all ways that rice is used. Due to the presence of high fiber content, it is suggested as a food for diabetic patients in India.

Objective

To evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic potential of S. italica seeds in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Anti hyperglycemic activity of different doses of S. italica seed aqueous extract (SISAE) was evaluated by oral administration of SISAE in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and it was compared with that of Glibeclamide, a standard oral hypoglycemic agent. The effect of long-term treatment with 300 mg of SISAE/kg b.w./day on blood glucose, glycemic control and serum lipids was evaluated in normal and diabetic rats.

Results

The dose of 300 mg of SISAE/kg b.w. produced a significant fall (70%) in blood glucose in diabetic rats after 6 h of administration of the extract. None of the doses of the SISAE could produce any change in blood glucose levels of normal rats. After 30 days of treatment with 300 mg of SISAE/kg b.w./day there was a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose associated with a significant improvement in glycemic control as evidenced by lower levels of HbA1c in diabetic treated rats when compared to those in untreated diabetic rats The aqueous extract also exhibited significant hypolipidemic effect which is evident from lower levels of triglycerides, total, LDL and VLDL cholesterol and increase in the levels of HDL cholesterol in diabetic treated rats compared to those in diabetic untreated rats. The antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of the aqueous extract could be due to the presence of alkaloids or glycosides as active principles.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the aqueous extract of S. italica seeds have excellent antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities and thus have great potential as a source for natural health products.     

The effect of combined inositol hexakisphosphate and inositol supplement in streptozotocin‐induced type 2 diabetic rats

Inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) and inositol both regulate insulin secretion, but their combined use in the management of diabetes deserves investigation. The combined effects of IP6 and inositol supplementation were investigated in streptozotocin‐induced type 2 diabetic rats. The following groups of rats were studied for 8 weeks: non‐diabetic control, non‐diabetic high‐fat diet control, diabetic untreated, diabetic rats treated with the combination of IP6 and inositol (650 mg/kg bw) and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg bw). High‐fat diet and streptozotocin were used to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus in Sprague–Dawley rats. Body weight, blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, insulin, serum leptin, HOMA‐insulin resistance scores, intestinal amylase activity, serum and faecal lipids and food and fluid consumption were measured. Treatment with the combination significantly reduced blood glucose (306 ± 53 mg/dl) and insulin resistance score (1.93 ± 0.45) compared with diabetic controls (522 ± 24 mg/dl and 5.1 ± 0.69 respectively). Serum leptin (2.8 ± 0.6 ng/dl) and faecal triglycerides (108 ± 8 mg/dl) were significantly increased in rats treated with the combination compared with the diabetic control (1.8 ± 0.06 ng/dl and 86 ± 4 mg/dl). Serum triglyceride (47 ± 5.1 mg/dl), total cholesterol (98 ± 3.2 mg/dl) and food intake (26 ± 0.3 g) were significantly reduced by 45%, 25% and 25%, respectively, in rats treated with the combination compared with the diabetic control. Inositol and IP6 combined supplementation may be effective in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related metabolic disorders by regulating some aspects of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.     

Antidiabetic Effect of Ceiba Pentandra Extract on Streptozo-tocin-induced Non-insulin-dependent Diabetic (NIDDM) Rats

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of daily oral administration of root bark methylene chloride/methanol extract of Ceiba pentandra (Linn) in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic rats, and the effect of this treatment on the physiological and metabolic parameters that are related in diabetic animals. The diabetic rats were separated into four groups and each given the following samples by gavage, daily for 28 days: vehicle (diabetic control), Ceiba pentandra extract at the dose of 40 mg/kg, Ceiba pentandra extract at the dose of 75 mg/kg and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). All the parameters were also determined in healthy (non diabetic) rats for comparison. The methylene chloride/methanol extract of Ceiba pentandra treatment significantly reduced the intake of both food and water as well as the levels of blood glucose, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinine and urea, in comparison with diabetic controls. The treatment also improves impaired glucose tolerance but no effect was observed in the level of hepatic glycogen. The effect of Ceiba pentandra (40 mg/kg) was more prominent when compared to glibenclamide in lowering blood glucose, with the added benefit of considerably reducing serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. The results of this experimental animal study indicated that Ceiba pentandra possesses antidiabetic activity; and thus is capable of ameliorating hyperglycaemia in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetic rats and is a potential source for isolation of new orally active agent(s) for anti-diabetic therapy.     

Antidiabetic and antiacetylcholinesterase effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne fruits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study was intended to examine the effects of the supplementation of active α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase inhibitory ethyl acetate (CSE) fraction from the fruits of Chaenomeles sinensis (Thouin) Koehne on blood glucose (BG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and antioxidant levels. The diabetic rats were treated orally with CSE at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg bw for 14 days. BG, TC, TG, HDL-C, ALT, AST and AChE levels were significantly reduced; on the other hand antioxidant levels were significantly increased in the treated groups. These observations suggest protective effects of CSE against STZ-induced diabetic dementia model.     

Biochemical and immunohistochemical changes in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-treated type 2 diabetic rats

The regulation of glucose, lipid metabolism and immunoreactivities of insulin and glucagon peptides by delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ⁹-THC) in diabetes were examined in an experimental rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) Δ⁹-THC treated, (3) diabetic, and (4) diabetic + Δ⁹-THC. The type 2 diabetic rat model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of nicotinamide (85 mg/kg body weight) followed after 15 min by i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 65 mg/kg of body weight. Δ⁹-THC and Δ⁹-THC treated diabetic groups received 3 mg/kg/day of Δ⁹-THC for 7 days. The immunolocalization of insulin and glucagon peptides was investigated in the pancreas using a streptavidin–biotin–peroxidase technique. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and total protein (TP) levels were measured in serum. Total islet area percent of insulin immunoreactive cells slightly changed in diabetic + Δ⁹-THC rats compared to diabetic animals. However, the area percent of glucagon immunoreactive cells showed a decrease in diabetic + Δ⁹-THC rats compared to that of diabetic animals alone. Serum TC, HDL and LDL levels of diabetes + Δ⁹-THC group showed a decrease compared to the diabetic group. These results indicate that Δ⁹-THC may serve a protective role against hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.     

Efficacy of hesperidin on plasma,heart and liver tissue lipids in rats subjected to isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity

The present study examines the preventive role of hesperidin (HDN) on plasma, cardiac and hepatic lipids in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced rats. Myocardial injury was induced by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol hydrochloride (85 mg/kg BW) twice at an interval of 24 h, for two consecutive days. HDN was administered by post-orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW. The results showed increased levels of plasma cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C), triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA) and phospholipids (PL) and decreased level of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in ISO-induced rats. ISO rats also showed an increase in cholesterol, TG and FFA and decrease in PL levels in the heart and liver tissues. HDN treatment brought the above parameters towards normal level. This experiment shows that HDN possesses hypolipidemic effect in ISO-induced rats.     

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bersama engleriana</Emphasis> leaves in nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

Background

The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties of the aqueous and methanolic extracts from Bersama engleriana leaves in streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

Methods

Animals were orally treated for 4 consecutive weeks with Bersama engleriana extracts at doses of 300 or 600 mg/kg. The anti-diabetic effect was examined by measuring blood glucose (BG) at 0, 1, 14 and 28 days after STZ-NA treatment and, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) levels at sacrifice (day 29). Glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) was used for comparison.

Results

STZ-NA-induced diabetic rats showed moderate to significant increases in the levels of BG, TG, TC, LDL-C while body weight, HDL-C levels and relative weights of liver and pancreas were decreased compared to controls (non diabetic rats). Administration of the plant extracts to STZ-NA diabetic rats resulted in a significant decrease in BG, TG, TC and LDL-C and the dose 600 mg/kg of the methanolic extract was the most effective; HDL-C level was markedly increased after four weeks compared to untreated diabetic rats. A dose-dependent increase in the relative weights of the diabetogenic organs was observed in the Bersama engleriana groups. It can be also noticed that the methanolic extract, especially the dose 600 mg/kg (p<0.001), produced more effects than glibenclamide and aqueous extract. Rats treated with glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg) generally gave lower results compared to groups treated with plant extracts.

Conclusion

Results of the present study showed that Bersama engleriana extracts and especially its methanolic extract possess antidiabetogenic properties and beneficial effects on diabetic hyperlipidemia. All these effects could be due to the bioactive components revealed in the Bersama engleriana extracts such as triterpenes and phenols and which could justify its ethnomedical use.

     

Effects of insulin on hepatic lipid synthesis in alloxan diabetic rats.

In vitro hepatic synthesis of lipids starting from 1-(14)C-acetate was studied in rats made diabetic by subcutaneous alloxan administration (175 mg/kg b.w.). A second group of diabetic rats was treated with lente insulin. In the alloxan-treated rats, a decrese was observed in hepatic incorporation of 1-(14)C-acetate into phospholipids, triglycerides and esterified cholesterol; there was an increased incorporation into nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and free cholesterol. Insulin administration restored lipid synthesis values to normal. On histologic examination, an intranuclear glycogenesis was observed in the hepatocytes of the alloxan-treated rats, along with severe hepatic necrosis; the latter however, only in rats sacrified on the 3rd day. Hepatic steatosis with small, medium and large droplets was present in the insulin-treated rats; signs of cellular degeneration were less evident.     

Changes of lipid profiles, glucose, and hemogram after administration of Ruta graveolens extract in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that affects millions of people in the world. Many people use therapeutic herbal medicine for many reasons. In the present study, the effects of Ruta graveolens extract on the level of blood glucose, lipids, and hematological parameters have been studied. For this purpose 30 adult male Wistar rats weighing (200–300?g) were divided randomly into six groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F) and housed in single cages. The control group (A) was injected with normal saline. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin (60?mg/kg, i.p.) in other five groups. Group C received glibenclamide (10?mg/kg) orally, and groups D, E, and F received hydroalcoholic extract of R. graveolens (10, 20, and 30?mg/kg, i.p.) for 10?days, respectively. Blood samples were taken by heart puncture, and the level of glucose and lipids were measured. Hematological parameters including complete blood count was also determined by using automated cell counter. Results showed that administration of R. graveolens extract caused a significant decrease in the levels of cholesterol and LDL-c (p?<?0.05) by dose-dependent manner, whereas no significant changes were seen in glucose, triglycerides, VLDL-c, and HDL-c values in diabetic rats. It appears that R. graveolens extract has significant effects on total cholesterol and LDL-c in diabetic rats     

Antidiabetic and haematinic effects of Parquetina nigrescens on alloxan induced type-1 diabetes and normocytic normochromic anaemia in Wistar rats

Background

The plant, Parquetina nigrescens is used in folklore medicine to treat diabetes mellitus and its complications in several parts of West Africa.

Objective

To determine the effect of Parquetina nigrescens extract on fasting blood glucose in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

The blood glucose levels, complete blood count, erythrocyte indices and osmotic fragility, body and organ weights were evaluated.

Results

Diabetic rats treated with the extract showed significant (P<0.01) reduction of the blood glucose to levels comparable to that of the non-diabetic control and those treated with chlorpropamide (standard drug). Similarly, there was significant (P<0.01) reduction in the complete blood count in the diabetic rats.

Discussion

The anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia associated with the diabetes were corrected in the animals treated with the extract and chlorpropamide. The extract also reduced the erythrocyte osmotic fragility, body and organ weights. Parquetina nigrescens demonstrated antidiabetic property by reducing the elevated blood glucose in alloxan treated rats which is comparable to animals that received the standard drug.

Conclusion

Paraquetina nigrescens stabilized the erythrocyte membrane, decreased the body weight probably by lowering lipogenesis. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic and haematinic properties of Parquetina nigrescens remains to be elucidated.     

In vivo hypoglycemic effect of methanolic fruit extract of Momordica charantia L

Background

Momordica charantia L. is a medicinal plant commonly used in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Objectives

We investigated the blood glucose lowering effect of the methanolic fruit extract of the Ugandan variety of M. charantia L. in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats.

Methods

500g of M. charantia powder were macerated in methanol and the extract administered to two groups of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The first group received 125mg/kg, the second 375mg/kg and a third group 7mg/kg of metformin. A fourth group received 1ml normal saline. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured at 0.5,1,2,3,5,8 and 12 hours and compared using one-way ANOVA.

Results

There was an initial rise in FBG for 1 hour after administration of extracts followed by steep reductions. Significant reduction in FBG occurred at 2 hours for 125mg/kg of extract (−3.2%, 313±25.9 to 303±25.0mg/dL, p = 0.049), 375mg/kg of extract (−3.9%, 356±19.7 to 342±20.3mg/dL, p = 0.001), and metformin (−2.6%, 344±21.7 to 335±21.1mg/dL, p = 0.003) when compared to normal saline. The maximum percentage reduction in FBG by both extracts occurred between 3 and 12 hours post dose.

Conclusions

The methanolic fruit extract of M. charantia exhibits dose dependent hypoglycaemic activity in vivo.     

Hypoglycaemic and Biochemical Properties of Cnestis Ferruginea

Increasing incidences of diabetes in Africa has prompted the search for safe and readily available alternative herbal remedies for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Cnestis ferruginea was extracted with methanol and ethylacetate and the extracts obtained were tested for hypoglycaemic activities in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and mice. The extracts (250mg/kg body weight) were administered orally for 10 consecutive days to STZ-induced diabetic rats while a single dose (250mg/kg body weight) of the extracts were administered to STZ-induced diabetic mice. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were determined in the two groups of animals after extract administration. There was significant reduction in FBG (P< 0.005) by MCF and ECF within 4 hrs of extract administration in a time- dependent manner. Furthermore, administration of MCF and ECF for 10 days significantly lowered FBG in STZ diabetic rats (P<0.005) by 74% and 68%, respectively, whereas, glibenclamide - a standard antidiabetic drug reduced FBG by 60%. The levels of serum creatinine, urea, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein and level of lipid peroxidation were also evaluated. The extracts reduced significantly (P<0.005) the elevated levels of serum ALT and AST in diabetic treated rats. Similarly, both extracts significantly lowered (P<0.005) the levels of serum creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, triglyceride and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS).These results suggest that Cnestis ferruginea leaves contain a highly potent hypoglycaemic principle and could be a potential source for isolation of new orally active antihyperglycaemic compounds for attenuating secondary complications of diabetes such as atherosclerosis, liver and renal dysfunction.